Cons

The Booq Mamba Shift Backpack is a TARDIS like backpack for storing your MacBook, iPad and seemingly your entire possessions on your travels. Big and roomy, the Booq fits any Macbook up to 15-inch and any laptop up to 17-inch in a dedicated Nylex lined section, which as you might hope is nicely padded. Next to the laptop section is a second, larger zipped storage area, which we struggled to fill, offering space for laptop accessories, books, papers, clothing and more. Along with pockets for organising everything, the backpack comes with a removable accessory pouch, offering additional protection for, say, an external hard drive.

Made from 1680 denier ballistic nylon exterior with water-repellent coating, Booq offers a "limited 5-year warranty" on the backpack. Available in black with a red trim, it's a functional yet stylish design that doesn't look too PC-centric or go overboard on the Velcro. Without the benefit of a time machine, the bag looks built to last, which is reflected in the premium price tag, costing upwards of £120. It's all very impressive although clearly overkill if your travel plans are modest and you don't require all that storage space.

For the security conscious, which should be everyone, the backpack comes with several zipped pockets and storage sections, to make the lives of thieves that much more difficult. The YKK exterior zippers are particularly solid and aren't as easily tampered with as some backpacks we have tried. Booq notes the bag comes with a Terralinq unique ID number, which once registered may help you find your lost bag. This system however, like similar options offered by other bag manufacturers, relies very much on the honesty of others.

OUR VERDICT

Impressively spacious, the Booq Mamba Shift Backpack is a serious consideration for anyone who needs to carry MacBook, iPad and accessories regularly over long journeys. With a wealth of pockets, zips and storage compartments, it's also a useful option for keeping all your accessories in one, organised place between destinations while on your travels.